Joe Louis, Alfred “Tup” Holmes, William Bowling & One Other Signed 1945 Open Tournament at Miami View Program Sponsored by African American Fairway Club in Ohio
Joe Louis made his first appearance at the segragated Miami View golf course in Dayton, Ohio at their Open Golf Tournament advancing and alowing the play of African-American golf at a high level. Heavyweight boxing champ Louis was furloughed from the Army in 1945, joining in 1942. This African-American golf tournament was hosted by the segregated golf course Miami View of Dayton, Ohio, with the tournament put on by the Fairway Club of black golfers founded in 1937. We rarely have firsts here, but this was one, the very rare program from that event signed by Louis, civil rights leader Alfred "Tup" Holmes, African American Amateur Golf champion William Bowling and believed to be Louis' secretary Leonard Reed. Historically significant in civil rights within golf and sport, here is the Second Annual Open Golf Tournament program from Sunday, August 5, 1945. The front cover features a central illustration of a golfer in mid-swing framed by a circular border. Signing on the cover in pencil is Louis, Holmes and Reed. An interior page featuring a profile of William Bowling includes a vertical signature reading "Wm H Bowling".
The interior pages provide a comprehensive record of the event and the local community, including a greeting from Fairway Golf Club President Robert S. Nelson and full rosters for the Fairway Golf Club and the Fairway Golferettes women's club. Professional profiles are included for Myron B. Coleman and the late Edison Marshall, alongside a feature on amateur champion William Bowling, detailing their various regional titles and accolades. The program of events lists prize structures involving War Bonds, such as a $300 War Bond for the Pro-Champion. A notable social message from the Education and Civil Liberties League is present, referencing the service of "Negro soldiers" and the contemporary struggle for civil rights. The booklet is filled with local advertisements for Dayton and Springfield businesses, including the Harris Cocktail Bar, The Farm, Dixie Barbecue, and several professional services such as the C.W. Dickens and McLin funeral homes. Impressive to page through, rarely are programs from WWII time period advancing civil rights within golf discovered - this from an estate local to Dayton, Ohio. James Spence Authentication (JSA) has reviewed this signature and their auction letter of authenticity (ALOA) comes with this lot.
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